Josh Okogi and the Timberwolves did not reach an agreement on an extension until the deadline set for the 2018 NBA draft rookie on Monday. There has never been much noise around a potential agreement either.
The security guard said the lack of a deal was not disappointing. He announced his desire to play in Minnesota for the foreseeable future. For some players and teams, in certain situations, it makes sense to wait for a deal.
As such, Okogi will spend his fourth season in the NBA before going into agency restricted mode next offseason.
This makes the 2021-22 campaign the largest Okogie to date – a contract at stake.
“I will always try to play my best, but obviously this year is probably the most…” Okogi stopped himself. “Each year will be the most important year for me, but because it is similar to the current year, it is the most important.”
Okogi started the team’s opening season Wednesday against the Rockets. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch praised Okogi’s performance throughout the preseason.
“Well, you know what he brings in defense. It was only emphasized by Patrick (Beverly) and Taurin (Prince), ”Finch said. “He doesn’t feel like he should be on the island all the time, guarding it. So this is one thing. Second, he plays with the most offensive confidence I’ve ever seen. Make really good throws to the rhythm of our attack, knock them down, act out a trap, create throws for others as he rides towards the paint. Such things. Yes, he had a great summer. We saw him all summer.
“Be it with his team. He has been here many times. When he was playing early on, he really played very confidently, and that affected the whole camp. ”
Okogi was left open on the perimeter by various teams last season. He hopes opponents will try this strategy again this season after his offseason work.
“I would like to be allowed to film this year,” he said.
HOME COOKING
Seven of the Timberwolves’ first eight games this season will be at Target Center.
The first three – Wednesday’s game against Houston and subsequent games against New Orleans – against the expected denizens of the Western Conference basements.
It is imperative that Minnesota has a hot start.
“I think it’s good to know where we want to be when these home games are over. I think it’s great. I’ve been here long enough to know this, ”said Karl-Anthony Towns. “I’ve also been where you take it game after game, I did it differently. I think it’s great, at least for me, to have certain expectations in the first eight games and come out with a lot of energy. ”
FINCH JOINS FOOD BANK
Local food bank Second Harvest Heartland announced this week that Finch will join the organization’s board. Finch said he was “very excited” about the opportunity.
“There is such a big presence here,” he said. “I think this is the second largest food bank in the United States, doing an amazing job in times of such great need.”
Finch attended college with Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. The two were friends, although Finch contacted the food bank through Timberwolves.
“Actually, I’m very excited about the opportunity to develop some synergy between organizations and also just contribute to the community,” he said. “It was important for me to do something that was accessible to everyone and somewhat impartial. Everyone needs help, everyone is hungry. ”
